A Sherman quickie… On the M4A2, is it correct that the dry stowage can be distinguished from the wet by the presence of the applique’ armor? That is, it is my understanding that the dry stowage tanks had the welded-on panels on the side (is this area the sponson?), and the wet stowage tanks did not. Do I have this correct? If this is correct for the A2, how about other Sherman variants (I have seen a picture of the A1 with the applique’ armor)? As a newbie way over my head in the sea of Sherman minutia, I would appreciate any help in navigating these deep waters. 
That is what I understand as well, although I am far from being an expert. The research I have done has led me to believe the applique armor is only for dry stowage vehicles. Which kit are you building? I am working on the DML M4A2 russian sherman.
Kaleu, I am getting ready to start work on the Academy M4A2 Late Production Marines. This kit comes with the wading stacks, so I think that it will be lots of fun. From what I have been able to find out, I think that the kit is more or less correct for the tanks of the 1st Tank Batallion at Pelileu (though there’s a nagging suspicion in my mind that the tracks are not correct ). The photos that I’ve seen show that the tanks fought without the supplemental lumber and cement armor (which would be fun to put on), but I kind of have a hang-up about “correctness” (as if you couldn’t tell this already).
Thank you for confirming my guess on the wet/dry stowage.
Here’s a quick confirmation.
http://www.usarmymodels.com/MANUFACTURERS/Tamiya/tamiya35122.html
I think you may be correct about the tracks. I have thought they look wrong as well. I read a review on either Hyperscale.com or the Perth website that the kit tracks are incorrect. Overall, it is a very nice kit.
Found the review link!
http://misc.kitreview.com/armourreviews/academy13203reviewcs_1.htm
Welcome to the wonderful world of Shermans! Shermans can be a tricky beast, because of the numerous types of them. All M4A2(75) were dry stowage. So yes, applique armor would indicate that it is a dry stowage hull. If it has a 47 degree glacis hull like the Academy kit but does not have side applique armor, it is safe to say that the tank you are looking at is a M4A3(75)W or wet stowage M4A3. All early, small driver’s hatch Shermans could be fitted with applique armor. All 76mm gun armed Shermans have wet stowage. As you build more Shermans, you’ll soon find out just how many mods there are off of the same hull. Enjoy!
Chris “toadman” Hughes
Shermanaholic
http://www.toadmanstankpictures.com
Toadman, how can I “enjoy” when you made my head hurt so… but thank you for all the great information.
I guess that I may need to get a one of the baby Sherman references to help me learn the basics. Not one of the heavy duty books, but one that will run me through the basic variants and nomenclature (I’m sure that Squadron must have such a book). Though, to make matters worse, at this point in my life I’m really only interested in Marine Shermans in the Pacific. This subject seems much more poorly documented than Shermans in the ETO, especially given Marines penchant for making their own modifications (e.g., lumber and cement supplemental armor). But, the fun is in the learning!
Thank you, again.
Dave
Kaleu:
Thank you for the link. The best review that I have found is at missing-lynx. If you’re interested, take agander at:
http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/usa/academym4a2_fdesisto.html